The domain name for your author website can make or break your online identity.
This is because such a name constitutes your digital address and is critical to the brand’s visibility.
A suitable domain name not only defines who you are, but also enhances visibility on search engines so that the readers can easily access you.
A memorable domain name is also very important for SEO and marketing as it’s easier for many people to share it and therefore it drives more traffic to the website.
In this way, the domain name will be worth remembering and creating an impression on the audience.
Why Your Author Website Domain Name Matters
A website domain is more than a domain name; it is a brand, in this case for an author.
A good domain name creates a wonderful first impression and increases credibility, making it easy for the readers to remember your site and your content.
They are also more inclined to trust you as an author and seek to read more of your work.
A strong keyword domain name is also important from an SEO perspective.
For instance, if you include keywords related to your topics in your webpage, it will start appearing in searches whenever potential readers look for authors or books related to your genre.
This will increase traffic to your website.
In addition a clear and concise domain makes it easy for readers, fans, and clients to locate you on the web easily.
If your website is appropriately named after the work done, it adds the chances of the persons wanting to come back to the website.
Important Points or Factors to Look for While Selecting a Domain Name for your Author Website
There are a few factors to keep in mind while picking the domain name:
Make it Simple and Catchy
Less is more. This is a common saying when it comes to domain names.
The easier it is to recall the better.
Think of something no more than 15 characters.
This aids readers in locating you with their search engines more easily and decreases the risk of them mistyping.
Use Your Name or Pen Name
Using the real name can be an advantage in terms of making a personal bond with the readers and lending credibility to the brand.
Using a pen name on the other hand lets you be able to explore a different side which might suit the genre you are more into.
There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both options, pick whatever is appropriate for you and your dreams and goals as a writer as well.
Avoid Hyphens and Numbers
Hyphens and numbers can cause confusion leading to typos.
For instance, if your website reads, “john-doe-author.com,” chances are that readers are likely not to type the hyphen and instead type it wrong or forget the hyphen.
Strip it down for simplicity to assist fans find easy access to you.
Check Availability
Remembering that your domain name is not only reflecting on your author website but also on your socials, make sure to stay consistent.
Check the availability of the domain name as well.
If your name is already taken, try to come up with some easy but interesting variations that keep your brand intact.
Consider Future Scalability
Think beyond where you are currently as new heights are always possible.
For instance, will the given domain usage be appropriate if you decide to expand into other genres?
The right name is ideally not specific and won’t require a new elaborate rebranding strategy later.
In particular, do not select names that seem to limit you to one niche if you hope to explore more in the future.
21 Domain Name Ideas for Your Author Website
As an author, the choice of your domain will give readers a glimpse of your work, so it has to be catchy and professional – in other words – help you build your online brand.
Now let’s get into some examples, shall we?
1. JohnSmithBooks.com
This is an outstanding website for authors who want to consolidate all of their published books for readers.
It uses a common name format, so it is easy to remember due to its simplicity.
2. TheAuthorJaneDoe.com
By writing the word ‘the author’ at the beginning of this domain, it sounds more catchy.
This is an interesting cross-marketing idea – if someone wants to show their professionalism, whether fiction or nonfiction writers.
3. WriterSarahJane.com
This focuses on the fact that you are a writer and even offers the opportunity to make a personal blog or construct a portfolio for yourself.
Suitable for authors whose main focus is to showcase their writing.
4. BooksByJohn.com
Everything is as simply stated in this domain.
The only thing it could say is “books by John”.
This is ideal for authors who want to introduce their books to the audience.
5. AuthorOfFiction.com
In case you are a fiction writer, this works quite well.
It clearly states the purpose and reaches an audience that loves that particular genre.
6. YourPenName.com
By act of writing, one can sense how it appeals to authors who are using a pen name since this feels engaging and decisive.
Such a domain is an effective strategy for marking one’s territory in the industry.
7. JohnWrites.com
This is constructive, direct and captures everything in as few words as possible.
This domain banner is best suited for authors that wish to give tips and guidance about their writing.
8. CreativeFictionByJane.com
The only disadvantage to this domain is the fact that it is fairly long.
However, it is effective for those who wish to specialize in creative fiction.
This should be your domain if you wish to target a specific audience as such.
9. NonFictionWithJohn.com
This one is straightforward and to the point, stating that the concentration is on non-fiction, this would thus attract the correct demographic.
10. PoetryBySarah.com
Perfect for poets as Poetry lovers can easily find and connect to your work
11. www.mikeadventuretales.com
As simply put, it fits if you happen to write adventure stories.
It has that rush feeling in it that is sure to grab the attention of fans of adventure fiction.
12. www.emilyhistoricalfiction.com
This domain clearly defines your area of expertise in historical fiction, making it easier for the fans to locate you in the genre.
13. www.johnswritingjourney.com
A domain that talks more about you as a person and writer.
Good for authors who want to share their writing process and give readers insights into the highs and lows in their lives as writers.
14. BooksAndBeyondWithJane.com
This is the type of name that states your website does not only solely deal with books, it can be additional writing advice, book suggestions, or even elongated content.
Ideal if you are targeting many people.
15. FantasyWorldsBySarah.com
Ideal for authors who pen down fantasy works, this domain will send right across the mind that there are enchanting realms accompanied by heroic deeds.
It will appeal to readers who love to read about magic and world-building.
16. MemoirsOfJohnDoe.com
If memoirs or autobiographies are your thing, this domain will work beautifully.
It’s personal and gives readers a sense of the journey you’re taking them on.
17. ThrillingMysteriesByBrian.com
In case it is mystery novels that you are focusing on, this is the ideal name for you.
It is portrayed as completely adept in suspense writing as well as in a specific genre depicting magnetic appeal to the fans of mysteries.
18. ThePoetInYou.com
An idea incorporating the magnificence of poetry and guiding the audience into your private poetry world.
It is a lot of personal as well as appealing which is good for poets wanting to resonate with their readership.
19. ScienceFictionWithMike.com
If you’re writing about Sci Fi worlds, this domain is for you.
20. WriteYourStoryWithJane.com
Not only does it inspire self-discovery and participation, but it also highlights teamwork.
It is ideal for writers who write with a vision of mentoring other writers in the future or fans in general looking for a more interactive basis.
21. AuthorAdviceFromJohn.com
In this case, the author is an authority figure giving writing advice.
This domain is great for aspiring writers.
Tips for Buying and Registering Your Author Domain Name
Want to get and register a domain? Let’s see how.
Opt for a Well-Established Domain Registrar
To kick things off, select a reliable domain registrar.
This step is crucial since it is easy to manage your domain with a good registrar.
Search for candidates who are well-known, offer no hidden fees, and have exceptional customer service.
Olitt, Namecheap, and Bluehost are some well-known options.
They provide quite the easy-to-use interfaces and additional services such as web hosting which can ease the process of creating your online presence.
Obtain a Domain with the Ending “.Com”
If possible, a .com domain is best for your author’s website.
The extension is the most reliable and easiest for readers to remember and locate your website.
Also, some studies tell that .com domains tend to rank higher and are perceived as the most authoritative.
It is not the end of the World if you do not have the more common .com ending.
You can always use different endings that may include your name or wording that clearly associates with you but are not as obvious.
Institute a Privacy Protection
This is something that is essential for every individual.
It applies especially to the person who is registering a domain for their business.
That person’s personal information is bound to be stored in the WHOIS databases, unless means are put in place to protect that information.
Most registrars have a privacy protection option for a small fee, and it is certainly advisable.
Thus, you can make sure your information is confidential and refrain from the hassle of spam or calls that are not needed.
Think Long-Term for Security
It is best to think ahead when securing your domain name.
Alternatively, you can register it for a few years so as not to be caught out and lose the name to oversight or due to expiring.
To be safe, set reminders or set auto-renewals on your domain.
It is one of the small steps that guarantee you that the domain will always be yours.
Conclusion
It is essential to take time in choosing the right domain name for your author website, as this is going to be the most essential part of your online presence in connection with your audience.
A correct domain name will be sure to enhance recognition and trustworthiness of the brand.
It improves search engine optimization making it easy for people to reach you online.
You can opt for one of the 21 domain suggestions above as the starting point or you can be a little more imaginative and create something that portrays your pen name or personal brand.
The bottom line is that your domain name should adequately represent your authoring style and talk to your prospective readers.
Remember to search whether the name is available before choosing one.